Park Place

Flickr user Jesse Bissette captured this exquisitely sunlit bacterial mat and pool at Yellowstone National Park on July 12th of 2008. It’s no surprise how the park’s Grand Prismatic Spring got its name.

ANZAC Map Mat

The sulfurous, acidic and blisteringly-hot waters of volcanic hot springs are inhospitable to most forms of life but they’re positively a playground for certain types of “thermophile” (heat-loving) bacteria. In fact, the lack of competition helps them thrive while treating us to a beautiful and colorful view! The otherworldly scenes above show the Map Of Africa hot pool at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park on New Zealand’s North Island.

Orangestone Park

Odd that Yellowstone Park’s name seems to reference only one specific color when the park offers a virtual rainbow of vibrant shades. Though yellow features are abundant, orange takes pride of place when it comes to the bacterial mats surrounding some of the region’s geysers and hot springs. Some images, such as those captured by Flickr user Simon, may be monotone but exhibit astonishing structural details.